Breaking the Wheel: Dutch Engineers Set New World Record with 180-Foot-Long Rideable Bicycle

A group of eight Dutch engineering enthusiasts have recently set a new world record for the longest bicycle ever built, measuring an impressive 180 feet, 11 inches. This feat surpassed the previous record held by Australian Bernie Ryan in 2020, whose bicycle was 155 feet 8 inches in length. The new record-breaking bicycle is fully rideable, although it may not be very practical for everyday use in cities.

The team behind this remarkable achievement was led by Ivan Schalk, who has been working on the project since he was a child. Ivan explained that he had always been fascinated by the idea of creating something truly unique and that his passion for this project drove him to break the existing record. The team consisted of eight individuals with a diverse range of skills and experience, including carpenters, welders, and engineers.

Starting in 2018, Ivan began working on the colossal bicycle project in his spare time. He recruited team members from his local carnival in Prinsenbeek, a village known for its high technical expertise and volunteer spirit. Ivan expressed pride in his village’s technical knowledge and their willingness to apply it to challenging projects like this one.

Despite the challenges faced during the construction process, including sourcing materials and navigating logistical issues, the team persevered and successfully completed their project on time and within budget. The world’s longest bicycle is now on display at the National Museum of Industrial History in Eindhoven, where it serves as a testament to the creativity and skill of those who dared to dream big.